All Blog Entries by Justin Havre Real Estate Team

When comparing Calgary and Toronto, key differences emerge. These differences include everyday essentials like rent, commute times, and overall climate. Both cities boast vibrant cultural scenes, outdoor activities, and quality education and healthcare systems. Before moving to Calgary or planting your roots in Toronto, discover the nuances of living in both cities. 

Calgary vs. Toronto: Quick Tips

• Calgary offers more affordable housing options and lower living costs compared to Toronto.
• Toronto provides a more extensive public transport system with slightly higher average salaries.
• Calgary boasts a shorter average commute time and a lower unemployment rate.
• Toronto features a more diverse cultural scene and a higher GDP.
• Calgary

Your property tax bill probably isn't your favourite piece of mail, but understanding how it works can save you money and help you spot mistakes before they cost you.

Property taxes fund the services that keep the city of Calgary running—from snow removal and fire protection to parks and public transit. Every property owner pays, but not everyone knows how their bill gets calculated or what to do if something looks wrong.

Here's what you need to know about Calgary property taxes, from how they're calculated to when you should consider an appeal.

For general informational purposes only. If you have questions about your specific assessment, call the City of Calgary before the review period deadline.

Calgary Property Tax Rates (Tax Year 2025)

Calgary, Alberta, is a city of stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and a lifestyle that blends urban sophistication with natural beauty. There's something unique and special to discover in each of Calgary's top neighbourhoods. From the tree-lined avenues of Elboya to the trendy vibe of Altadore, the city is a mosaic of diverse living experiences. Sunnyside's eclectic shops and proximity to the Bow River make it a favourite for creatives and outdoor enthusiasts, while Hillhurst strikes a perfect balance of historic charm and modern amenities. Whether you're planning on moving to Calgary, choosing a new neighbourhood, or simply exploring Cowtown, exploring the city's best neighbourhoods is a vital first step.

Highlights of Top Calgary

Would you rather live in Ontario or Alberta? In this provincial showdown, we cut through the fluff and provide data-driven insights into the cost of living, taxation, job opportunities, and broader lifestyle considerations.

While Ontario is the most populous province, home to the nation's capital and largest city, Alberta remains one of the cheapest provinces for homebuyers despite its ever-growing economy. Read on to settle the Alberta vs. Ontario debate once and for all.

Quick Comparison of Alberta & Ontario

• Cost of Living: Alberta generally offers a lower overall cost of living, driven by cheaper housing, lower taxes, and more affordable utilities than Ontario.
• Taxes: Alberta has one of the most favourable tax environments in Canada,

Condo fees often spark debate and confusion. These fees, which cover the maintenance of shared spaces and essential services, vary widely depending on the building's age, size, and amenities. Understanding what condo fees are, how they're calculated, and their impact on ownership costs is crucial for both prospective buyers of Calgary condos and current owners.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Condo Fees at a Glance

• Condo fees are mandatory monthly payments for owners
• Condo fees cover maintenance and common area upkeep
• Fees are calculated based on unit size, building type, and available amenities
• Condo fees in Calgary

While Calgary may be a quintessential Cowtown, best known for its Stampede and Rodeo held every July, it also comes alive during the winter—snowflakes, ice sculptures, and lights galore adorn city buildings and add festive notes all the way from Halloween through February. Winter is cold in Alberta, but Canadians and visitors alike take it in stride. Enjoy the magic of outdoor activities and winter festivals in Calgary and in nearby Banff and Lake Louise, and some are the best festivals in Calgary!

Quick List: Calgary Winter Festival Dates 2025/2026

• ZOOLIGHTS - Nov. 14–Jan. 4
• The Lions Festival of Lights - Nov. 22–Jan. 8
• High Performance Rodeo Festival - Jan. 13–31
• Chinook Blast - Jan. 30–Feb. 16
• YYC Hot Chocolate Festival -

Ready to buy your first home in Calgary? You probably have a million questions racing through your mind. How much down payment do you actually need saved up? What's the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved? And why does everyone keep telling you not to skip the home inspection?

This first-time homebuyer guide cuts through the confusion. You'll learn exactly what steps to take, which programs can help you save money, and which mistakes could cost you thousands.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Quick First-Time Homebuyer Tips You Can Save Right Now

• Get pre-approved for a mortgage before you start looking at homes to show

Buying a home in Canada comes with plenty of ongoing expenses. Property taxes, mortgage payments, insurance, repairs—the costs add up fast. So when tax season rolls around, you might wonder: "Can I write off any of these expenses?"

Unfortunately, in Canada, the home you live in doesn't give you the same tax breaks you'd get in the United States. Property taxes and mortgage interest on your primary home are NOT tax-deductible in Canada.

But don't close this tab yet.

While you can't deduct your basic homeownership costs, Canada offers several tax credits and deductions that can save you real money. First-time buyers get credits worth $1,500. Work from home? You might deduct thousands in home office expenses. Own a rental property? Now we're

The holiday season is a time for frolicking in the snow, revelling in cheer, and finding fun things to do in Calgary. Those looking for Christmas events in Calgary this year to embrace the warmth the holidays bring should check out these annual festivities, fostering everything Christmas is about. And they're not just in December—plenty of events start in mid-November and take you all the way to the big day.

Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas

Once Upon a Christmas is by far one of the most cherished holiday traditions in Calgary, and the event transports visitors into an old-fashioned town in the heart of Southwest Calgary. A picturesque Christmas scene through and through, the Heritage Park Once Upon a Christmas Village is the ideal place to

Freezing pipes. Sky-high heating bills. Ice dams that look like they're auditioning for a horror movie.

Winter in Calgary is fun, but the winter weather doesn't mess around. And if you're not prepared, your home might suffer the consequences.

The good news? Most winterizing tasks take an afternoon and basic tools. The better news? They'll save you hundreds on utility bills and thousands on emergency repairs.

Here's how to winterize your home before the cold weather season starts, and what to do if winter causes issues anyway.

Quick Home Winterization Checklist (Save This!)

Before the first freezing temperatures hit, handle these essentials:

• Reverse your ceiling fans to push warm air down
• Book a furnace inspection before techs